The survey, which canvassed 40 leading knee surgeons, asked just one simple question: ‘If your nearest and dearest were to need knee replacement, to whom would you refer them and why?’ The surgeons named Mr Allum as one of their top 10. In the Daily Mail article that announced the survey, fellow surgeons said the following of Mr Allum: “He is an experienced and very able surgeon;” “he’s a good communicator so his patients are well-informed” and he is “careful with the handling of tissues, which means less bleeding and bruising, and takes good care of his patients”.

Mr Allum was deeply flattered by the accolade, and also explained the importance of his field. “When suffering with knee problems, it can often been a real struggle for our patients to carry out their normal day to day lives, and our job is to do everything we can as surgeons to help them restore as much movement as possible. In doing so, we always strive to deliver the care that we would want our loved ones to receive,” said Mr Allum. “I am immensely humbled, not only by this recognition, but also by the trust placed in me by my peers.”

Yvette Stembridge, Executive Director of The Princess Margaret Hospital added: “Knee reconstruction is a very complex specialty, which not only requires great skill and experience, but also has a real impact upon our patients’ quality of life. We are very proud that Mr Allum has received this distinction. It’s a fantastic honour and much deserved. He is a brilliant surgeon and highly respected by colleagues, staff and patients alike.”

Mr Allum qualified in medicine in 1972 from the University of Bristol. He also trained in Canada and has given invited lectures in knee surgery in 11 countries across Europe, North and South America, Asia, Australia and Africa. He has been practicing as Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with an interest in knee surgery since 1983.